The Western Isles News

[Athara Magarat]

August 3rd, 2019

90 year vet becomes Mayor of Ghale Gaun

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Ghale Gaun during snowfall

GHALE GAUN, SECOND TAMUWAN HANGATE

A 90 years old veteran of the Imperial War has embarked on a new career in politics after being elected as the Mayor of Ghale Gaun on Friday. This scenic town, which is around 12 km away from Ghan Pokhara, the capital of Second Tamuwan Hangate, lies at an altitude of 2,100 meters.

The new mayor Hari Bahadur Lhenge Kon says that he was inspired by Magarati students protesting against climate change and 'neo-Imperialist actions in Arvan, Charbagnia and Kachee'. "Those kids gave me hope that there are still many people in this country who want to change things."

Binita Tahanagi, a science teacher in Ghale Gaun Secondary School, says that the Imperial War veteran Lhenge Kon is a 'strong character whom everyone respects'.

The man himself however says that this is his chance to atone for his past and to 'make thing right'. At the age of 16, he was drafted into the Nine Gyarong Gun of Imperial Magarati Army. "The year was 1945 when I had just turned 16. The Miklanians, the Svalbardians, the Almoreans, the Noronicans and many other Free Powers had launched their Invasion of Central Argus just four or six months before that. San Montagnans, Tracerans, Domananians and various others in Magarati-occupied areas rebelled as well. Suddenly, every Magarati boy over 16 I knew was in the army. There were those whose parents lied about their son's age to prevent that. But I also remember some naive war-lovers as young as 13 who lied about their age to be enlisted. The situation was desperate. Even girls were being recruited; mostly into the air force and the navy."

"The next four years were awful. What was more awful was that the army recruited us based on the area. All of the boys and men in this town and pretty much entirety of Second Tamuwan Hangate were enlisted into the notorious Nine Gyarong Gun. This was the same Magarati division that had spearheaded invasions into Domanania, San Montagna, Brufali and other nations. The superiors were ruthless. What the foreign media had said about us using poison gas, which I like everyone else had refused to believe till then, turned out to be true. We were treated as expendables. Since entire division was from same geographical region, entire villages would lose their sons in a battle."

Mr Lhenge Kon says that the eruption of the 30th Parallel War and the Kyrazakhstani Revolution showed that "Magaratis still had not learned from their mistakes" mentioning his only son's death during the 30th Parallel War.

"I had moved to Myagdi Island (Tapu Sahar), like many others, to raise my son and to see my grandchildren grow there. But that dream of mine was shattered when my son died in another meaningless war. It was then that I decided to return back to my hometown and do something for it until my last breath. I was depressed at times thinking how quickly this country had forgotten its mistakes and seeing our involvement in these new wars and the rise of law-breaking Magarati companies furthered my anger. But as more and more youths started speaking out against the ills of this government, I started to grow hope again and decided to run for the mayor."

[Ainslie]

Your Weather: Arnton - 27C/18C

INTERNATIONAL: Gifford speaks on Aruia, Roendavar
Arnton, Ainslie

At her first outing after becoming Prime Minister last month, Eleane Gifford visited the press club for a keynote speech and an interview afterwards. Many of the questions focused around the terrorist attack in Aruia and the prolonged time that Magarati girls have been trapped inside of a Roendavarian forest. Offers for help were a plenty and quite comprehensive, with Gifford offering up intelligence services and ARSF personnel to enter Aruia to sure up security in Ainslie’s western neighbour. In addition to this, she raised the potential scenario that Ahnslen specialists may be able to go on the ground in Roendavar.

“Well I think something that Ainslie is quite well known for is its specialised emeregency services - the kinds of calls stations and people get here are quite varied and distinct from other places around the Isles. In addition to this, the NGOs which call Ainslie home have a lot to offer Roendavar in terms of search and rescue support.

To that end, I have spoken to the Commissioner of APNA [The Ahnslen Parks and Nature Authority, the leading agency which oversees conservation reserves] just yesterday about this issue and he has highlighted that his specialists could be out there by the end of next week to renew the efforts of hyper-local search parties. I have also spoken with Aaron Drennan, the Commanding General of the ARSF who has given me his assurances that his resources are ready to be deployed if I sign off and Roendavar does as well. We stand waiting for Roendavar to accept these offers.”

Asked on the length at which these girls have still been missing in the forest, Gifford had this to say:

“I certainly think it is strange but my advisors tell me its quite remote and rugged in particular places and that the Roendavarian authorities have been experiencing delays and complications in their search for the Magarati schoolkids.”

She was also asked on what measures Ainslie may implement to protect its own national security.

“As for Aruia, we have implemented new security checks at Ahnslen ports - particularly less official, smaller ports to ensure that ships stopping over on their way to the nation are not affiliated in any way with these terrorist organisations. In the case of Roendavar, we will be updating our travel advice but do not yet see any need to go beyond that.

The Prime Minister also answered the question of whether a cabinet reshuffle will occur in the new federal government:

“I do not believe that is entirely necessary at this point in time - however I will be mulling over how to best distribute and allocatethe responsibilities of different portfolios over the coming weeks and months.”

Commentators and pundits are divided on what this exactly means, yet many of them agree that we may be seeing multiple new ministries come the winter with various promotions or demotions of people to and from cabinet. As for Aruia, sources close to the Ahnslen Government state that intelligence forces have already begun working with the Aruian Government. Activity at the Highstar Base in Highland Ridge is showing that there is somewhat of a likelihood of a traditional deployment to either Aruia or Roendavar.

DOMESTIC: Ahnslen cricket teams gear up for big spring
Arnton, Ainslie

With a Cauralia bilateral series anda world cup amongst other series in the books alongside other tours in the books both Ainslie and Ainslie A are preparing for an exciting couple of months. In the past fortnight much has happened amongst Ainslie’s two major cricket teams.

WC XV have been announced
Following a contentious couple of months where multiple contendors have been vying for a spot on KN1 to Nourourhavn, the fifteen players who will be directly in the running to make a start in the World Cup XI have been announced. Along with four selectors, coach Kai Lorimer announced the squad they will be taking to Norstham. Here’s the fifteen:

• Jordan Ardale
• Julian Arundel
• Simon Karlen (likely c)
• Dean Patterson
• Angus Renwick
• Alex Daintree (wk)
• Timothy McKellar
• Cooper Fletcher
• Allere Gannon
• Kai Rendall
• Thomas Harris
• Harry Innes
• Callum Sunderland
• Adam Gillson
• Charlie Rentige

Simon Karlen is the incumbent captain and will reveal the XI at the toss of the first world cup game. The World Cup starts on the 17th of August, with the full draw yet to be released.

Preparations for the World Cup
The Ahnslen National Team is preparing itself to fly to Norourhavn, Norstham to finish its preparations for the World Cup in game-like conditions. Expectations are high yet the team seems quite steady. With an ideal mix of experience and youth, Ainslie are looking to be one of the top teams this tournament.

Ainslie A to tour Norstham
Today Dean Foster, coach of Ainslie A, confirmed that the team would be touring Norstham during the world cup. They will be facing off against the Norsan ‘A’ team in a five-match series which will run the length of the tournament. Forster today also answered questions about the tour.

“Yeah - obviously a couple of our A players have received a promotion, which is great. It’s also quite good that we’ll be in the country ready to replace frontline players if we need to. Nevertheless, I think it’s pretty obvious that I’m excited about the prospect the team has both individually and as a group.”
- Dean Forster

Find all the stats, results and events surrounding the national sport right here at Arendai.

National Weather

City (Max / Min)
Anertah (32C / 24C)
Arborai (25C / 19C)
Arnton (24C / 14C)
Hauton (28C / 19C)
Highland Ridge (29C / 15C)
Kennedai (34C / 23C)
Mandara (33C / 22C)
Menindai (35C / 21C)
Port Blaxland (25C / 17C)
Rathane (32C / 21C)
Quirindi (27C / 17C)
Watarah (26C / 15C)

[Nhoor]

[Corindia]

Reynosa Municipality, 2:45 AM CNT: An NPF raid on a suspected safe-house used by a human trafficking ring apprehended three Corindi and six Athara Magarati citizens for charges related to human trafficking, and led to the rescue of 12 ethnic Hacopare women who were being kept at the house. This is the largest raid the STV division of the NPF has carried out since the May 29th raid, in which 78 victims were rescued, primarily of indigenous Hacopare origin. Although the identities of the women rescued have not been released for their protection, eyewitness statements claim that several are minors.

This is the 4th major STV raid on suspected trafficking sites since the May 29th raid and the first to positively identify foreign nationals as members of the trafficking rings which are believed to export vulnerable Hacopare men and women abroad, and within Corindia, for inexpensive labor and sex slavery. The victims sold into sex slavery are believed to primarily be distributed to groups offering "foreign girlfriend services" to unmarried young men, particularly in Athara Magarat. The women and girls then find themselves trapped in a foreign country, unable to speak Nyssic or Doman, and with little to no ability to escape captivity. As they have no documentation, it is difficult to establish their identities as Corindi citizens even if able to escape and reach Athara Magarati authorities. Any that somehow make it back to Corindia face social stigma amongst their communities, and must cope with the significant trauma associated with kidnapping, trafficking, and sexual slavery.

Carmo or the NPF have yet to outline a specific plan to engage with the relevant foreign authorities to cooperate to extirpate international human trafficking, despite calls for such action among Corindi Hacopare communities, with some even requesting League intervention in the situation, which activists have described as an ignored crisis.

UPDATED MONDAY, AUGUST FIFTH, 2019 AT 3:40 PM:

The NPF has released the names of the Corindi and Athara Magarati citizens. The Corindi citizens in custody are Ramon David Albert, Josep Berto Vilaró, and Augustin Alberte Mathieu. The Athara Magarati citizens currently being held in NPF custody are Temur Xin Yonghang, Bijay Dhakal, Timothy McNair, Sumnima Yonghang, Namrata Maharjan, and Pema Ghyabre.

[Athara Magarat]

August 6th, 2019

12,000 Hacopare Iza people to be provided Magarati citizenship

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Iza women have been trafficked into Athara Magarat in the last few years

NEW LIBANG

The government of Athara Magarati Federation of Hangates has decided to grant Magarati citizenship to roughly 12,000 Hacopare Iza women, men and minors stranded in the Central Argean nation. The Hacopare Iza are the indigenous peoples of Corindia and among the most downtrodden community in the Southern Sea nation. Most Hacopare Iza, primarily young women and minors, are tricked by Corindi and Magarati traffickers into getting work in Athara Magarat. Most of these trafficked people are then either sold into inexpensive labor or sex slavery. Though other nations are also destinations in this human trafficking ring, the "largest demand" comes from Athara Magarat where young men seek "foreign girlfriend services" to avoid marriage pressure from their families.

"Both the young Magarati men and these young Iza women are conned by the traffickers. The Magarati youths have no idea that the agencies who provide foreign girlfriends are involved in human trafficking whereas the Iza women are incorrectly told that Iza is a secondary language in Athara Magarat. The end result is women who do not speak Nyssic, Doman or any major Khas-Kirati language being shipped to Athara Magarat. The Magarati youths who asked for foreign girlfriends would have already paid large sum of money and they cannot touch these shady agencies. So they vent their frustrations on these helpless women who they cannot even communicate with. Many of these relationships turn abusive and the women run away to be stranded. They have no other options that to either sell their bodies to make living or join organized criminal organizations. However, some of the Magarati youths were responsible enough to seek the police's attention and that was how we came to know that there was a hidden trafficking ring here which has been operating for the last few years." A spokesman for the Magarati government told the press.

Despite the trafficking ring being in business for the last few years, it only gained attention in the recent months, especially after a major raid by Corindia's STV division on May 29th in which 78 victims, many of them minors, were rescued. On yet another raid, the Corindi authorities have arrested three Corindi and six Magarati citizens. The Corindi traffickers have been named Ramon David Albert, Josep Berto Vilaró, and Augustin Alberte Mathieu whereas Magaratis Temur Xin Yonghang, Bijay Dhakal, Timothy McNair, Sumnima Yonghang, Namrata Maharjan, and Pema Ghyabre are now in custody as well. The Magarati government has been requesting the Corindi government to extradite the six Magaratis so that they can be "punished according to Magarati law".

Many of the trafficked Hacopare Iza are said to be shunned by their own community if they return back to Corindia. A Corindi source reported that as many as 25,000 Iza have been trafficked. The Magarati government claims that almost all 12,000 Iza women and men stranded in the Central Argean nation have requested Magarati citizenship. The opposition has refuted this claim and considered this a "publicity stunt by Jrm Hangma administration".

"Though we must do everything in our power to help these Iza women, men and minors; they do not speak Nyssic, Doman or any other national language of our nation. How are we going to assimilate them into our federation? We have heard rumors that the government is planning to create a new 'Iza town'. How is the government going to address this isolationist town that is linguistically cut off rest of the federation?" A member of the opposition Progressive Alliance questioned the Jrm Hangma administration.

Magarati authorities had not revealed the age or gender demographics percentage of the 12,000 Iza people that will be granted Magarati citizenship. Estimates include roughly 3,000 men with the rest being young women or minors. The spokesman for the Magarati government quoted Section C of Article 2 of Part 2 in the Constitution of Athara Magarat (1996) as to why so many Iza were being granted citizenship.

"Every minor who is found within Athara Magarat and the whereabouts of whose parent(s) are not known shall, until the parent(s) of the child is traced, be a citizen of Athara Magarat by descent. Thus it is our constitutional duty to provide citizenship to every Iza minor stranded here. We cannot expect to raise these minors ourselves and thus are granting citizenship to Iza women and men so that they can build a community to look after these minors. This is not a publicity stunt as the opposition imply."

[Martenyika]

Tuesday August 6, 2019
RKT - Royal Kessa Times
Kessa, Martenyika

Zubele Assumes Victory After Tireless Campaign, Continues Anti-Slavery Rhetoric

Kessa - It has been almost three hours since the polls closed for the 2019 Martenyikan presidential election, and most believe that candidate Maxime Zubelle has secured the necessary votes for the office. Although tonight’s exit polls tended to favor Zubele, the official vote count is yet to be determined. This fact is welcomed by Zubele’s opponents.

Candidate Maxime Zubele has commanded the nation’s press in recent months with his compelling rhetoric regarding the nation’s issues and his dreams for Martenyika. Among Zubele’s most important issues has been the exploitation of vulnerable groups for labor and profit. In his speech just moments ago, the candidate boldly charged that “not a man shall be a slave! Not one woman, not one child! Not a one!” This declaration closely follows a recent human trafficking sting operation involving Athara Magarat and Corindia, leading many to wonder if the statement was calculated for the sake of international point-scoring.

Maxime Zubele has aggressively campaigned across the country, in what some declare is the most energetic and involved campaign in recent Martenyikan history. On many occasions, Zubele has attended several events per day. Earlier today, Zubele held a last minute rally in downtown Kessa, which was attended by many thousands of supporters. Zubele has also attempter to garner support from areas outside of the main cities with rural expeditions.

Although Maxime Zubele has preemptively assumed the mantle of President of Martenyika, a substantial vote count is not expected to be on the books until tomorrow.

[Scantarbia]

AUSTROVIK-GERMANIA AND THEIR CARS

by Alfred Alabaster, 07 August 2019

ARCTURUS - Scantarbia is a country well-known for its environmentalism, followed with the imposing of strict measures and standards in order to help to combat global warming and slashing the country's greenhouse gas output. One such standard is the SSB-E-2018 (Scantarbian Standardization Bureau - Environment - 2018) on Automobile Emissions, also known as Grade 8. Grade 8 dictates how many greenhouse gases can a vehicle insert into the atmosphere in gram per kilometer (gr/Kg). Only vehicles that have received the Grade 8 certificate can be sold inside Scantarbia. Although, as it turns out, the regulation has a major flaw.

The flaw is that the vehicle can receive certification from their country of origin without the need for further emission testing inside the country. This clause was supposed to make it cheaper and easier for the companies to conduct emission test on their home country without having to hassle with Scantarbian bureaucracy before being able to sell their vehicles in Scantarbian market. But, as it turns out there are some companies that exploit this flaw for their own advantage to market their dirty vehicles as “Grade 8 compliant” and therefore making it able to be sold inside Scantarbia.

The debacle started at the end of July 2019, when the SSB along with the National Police conducted a mandatory emission check on all vehicles inside Scantarbia. If they found anyone that is still using old vehicles that isn’t yet compliant with Grade 8 standard, the government then grants them a subsidy to be able to replace their old vehicles into an EV or a conventional that is compliant with Grade 8 standard. As 60% of the country utilizes EV, while new vehicles are expected to already compliant with Grade 8 standards, nothing major should emerge, right? Wrong, because as it turns out, Murphy’s Law acted this time when they found out that there are tens of thousands of new foreign-made vehicles that didn’t pass the emission test.

Those that didn’t pass the test were foreign-made vehicles, especially those who are imported from Austrovik-Germania, with the brands of Obey, Ubermacht (part of the Übermacht-Krupp Group), Ulmattel, and Volksauto. All of them are local car manufacturers of Austrovik-Germania. One particular vehicle that received a lot of spotlights is the Obey A4 sedan that is powered by a V12 engine. Testing on this particular vehicle shows that the vehicle is not even compliant with any of the standards from Grade 1 to 8, which shocks those who are testing the vehicle’s emission.

This finding sparked outrage from the Scantarbian community, especially those who are avid environmentalists, with demonstrations in front of the Austrovik-Germanian embassy with banners that accuses Austrovik-Germanian government to deliberately trying to “poison Scantarbian people and the environment with dirty vehicles” and urging Scantarbian government to impose tighter rules on certification procedure. Scantarbian government also stepped down, declaring the ban of vehicles made from Austrovik-Germania that is not compliant with Grade 8 standard from Scantarbian streets and prohibiting sales of Austrovik-Germanian vehicles inside Scantarbia until the emission scandal is resolved. The government also establishes a new rule that dictates that any vehicles that are going to be marketed inside Scantarbia must first receive emission certification from the Scantarbian Standardization Bureau or SSB.

This means the closure of all Austrovik-Germanian car dealership inside Scantarbia, the return of recently arrived containers with Austrovik-Germanian-made vehicles still inside to their home country, the grounding and eventual scrapping of all non-compliant Austrovik-Germanian vehicles inside Scantarbia. Even if the entire scandal is resolved, the damage is deemed too great for the brands involved inside this scandal to be able to restart their market inside Scantarbia, according to several economists. Is this the end for Austrovik-Germanian vehicle manufacturer inside Scantarbia? Only time will tell.

Other News

• Scantarbia and Argus: Revisiting The Greater Argus Supercontinent Theory
• What is the Grade 8 Certificate?
• A Palmful of Problems: How Can We Make Palm Oil Greener?
  
  

[Athara Magarat]

August 7th, 2019

Hangate of New Forest: New Iza town and Anti-Doman protests

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Students and parents protest against the status of Doman as a compulsory subject

ILERIXON, HANGATE OF NEW FOREST

The Hangate of New Forest, the second most populous hangate in Athara Magarat and the only one besides Myagdi Island and Tiwe Sivn to have over 1 million people, has welcomed Tizoc as its newest town. Most of the inhabitants of this town will be Hacopare Iza originating from Corindia. For the last few years; Iza people, mostly young women and minors, have been trafficked into Athara Magarat for various reasons. Despite actions by both Magarati and Corindi authorities, this illegal human trafficking still continues. Six Magarati citizens have been arrested alongside their three Corindi accomplices and the Jrm Hangma administration is requesting extradition so that they can be "punished according to Magarati law".

The area now being called Tizoc has long been a ghost town. It used to be a small town with various bahas centered around the Temple of Kumari until it was destroyed during the Imperial War and most of the residents migrated to either Newa Valley (New Forest's capital), Myagdi Island or abroad. Many of the 12,000 stranded Iza people, who were recently provided with Magarati citizenship, said that they would start a new life in Tizoc as they return home to a society that would not accept them.

Just as the Hacopare Iza women, men and minors were moving in to their now town of Tizoc, protests erupted in almost every other town and city in New Forest island. However, these protests were not anti-Iza but rather anti-Doman. And these protesters were mostly students or few parents demanding the removal of Doman as a compulsory subject in school.

"There is is deep-rooted Doman privilege in Athara Magarat. Not even the Khas-Kiratis are as privileged as Domans. I ask you, why should my daughter Agatha waste her precious time studying Doman? She has to stay as late as 6 pm in classes and then take further extra classes so she can brush her Doman. One official language is enough. Nyssic is spoken in Athara Magarat, Noronica, Alteran Republics, Miklania, Almorea and so many other Isles countries. Now you tell me, which countries use Doman language? Just Domanania. Why even have Doman as an official language. No one even speaks it around here." Magarati Roendavarian Delphine Ileria Bath, a resident of Ilerixon city, told the Herald.

The feeling is shared by many other parents in New Forest island who argue that learning Doman provides no opportunities for their children and "just wastes everyone's time, money and resources". Studies show that Doman's use as lingua france has almost been overtaken by Nyssic in almost every part of Athara Magarati Federation of Hangates save for Doman-majority towns and cites and a few rural villages. Yet, Doman is still the official language of the federation alongside Nyssic partly because Magarati Domans, not any particular Khas-Kirati tribe as foreigners believe, are the largest ethnic group in Athara Magarat.

"As a Doman myself, I know of the so-called 'Doman privilege'. The Domans are the largest by numbers and spread in almost every corner of the federation. They have their own hangate and are included in the 40 Guns of Magarat. Most Doman families have big businesses in Domanania and are quite wealthy. The central government knows this all and wants to appease Magarati Domans." Jin Milan Vuri (Vwuh-rool), a Doman teacher, believes that the problem can be solved by making Doman an elective subject. "But I really doubt that things will ever change. The already influential Doman community has strong backing of the powerful Tribal Council of Elders."

And indeed as Mr Vuri said, many of tribal elders were irked by the protests. "Do these kids not learn history at school?" Elder Iman Hangserung questioned. "Without Doman, there would be no Khas-Kirat Empire. Srijunga's domains would have collapsed immediately like an untied haystack. Who was it that produced most administrators, traders and inventors? The Domans under meritocratic Khas-Kirat Empire did. For more than a millennium, we have been bound together as a nation since we all could speak the same Doman language. I do not understand these complaints. Are these immature kids really complaining about staying one more hour at school?"

[Almorea]

AUGUST 7, 2019

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Deputy President Jardine suffers cardiac arrest, rushed to hospital

Deputy President Michael Jardine speaks with the media in this October 15, 2017 file photo

KINGSFORD- Deputy President Michael Jardine was rushed to a Kingsford hospital today after entering cardiac arrest, according to an official press release from the Almorean government.

Mr. Jardine, 77, was transported by ambulance to St. Perpetua Medical Center in Almorea's largest city after he collapsed and stopped breathing, according to the release. The Deputy President was meeting with the local chamber of commerce, several of whose members picked him up and helped lift him onto a stretcher, reports say.

Mr. Jardine's condition was described as "poor but steady". No cameras have been permitted access to the hospital since his admission.

The Deputy President was hospitalized in July with tachycardia, an irregular heartbeat. Sources close to Mr. Jardine tell the Times that he has been unwell ever since his July 11 fainting spell, which required a brief stay in the intensive care unit. Mr. Jardine's health and age have caused public concern since he took office as Almorea's "number two" in 2017.

Congress was adjourned today as a mark of respect for Mr. Jardine, who is constitutionally Head of the Congress. President Alasdair Hallowell and other officials are understood to have visited the ailing Deputy President in his hospital ward.

Mr. Jardine's second, and serious, hospitalization, has sparked discussion about a possible replacement. Unlike most executive officials in Almorea, the Deputy President must be confirmed in office by both houses of Congress. A new incumbent would be the likely standard-bearer for the Almorean Party in the next presidential election, which will be held in 2022.

President Hallowell is understood to have engaged in preliminary discussions with aides about Mr. Jardine's potential successor. Candidates include two senators, William Matzen of Adashawnee and Nora Soodalter of Baranor, as well as Education Secretary Akahana Phearson, according to several sources who were briefed on the conversations.

The public has rallied to Mr. Jardine's side; he is widely perceived as kinder and more likable than the President, and is substantially more popular. Well-wishers have left thousands of comments on his official Instagram account, while bouquets of flowers have been laid by passers-by outside the hospital.

The Times of Ellsburgh reserves all rights to this publication. Copyright MMXIX.

[Domanania]

August 8th, 2019
Federation Broadcasting Channel
Domanania

Beyn Tarr Responds to Anti-Doman Protests

Following recent protests in Athara Magarat about Doman being an official language, Vice President Beyn Tarr has given a public response.

"The people protesting in the Magrati state, have all the reasons to, under the laws of their nation"[i] Stated Tarr [i]"However, their disregard for the history between our two nations, and the ignorence of the friendship between our peoples and governments can not be put aside".

Beyn Tarr giving his response in a press conference

"Our two nations have been intertwined for over 1,000 years. A majority of Domans can trace some of their heritage back to the ancient Magrati kingdom, and the same can be said about many citizens of Athara Magarat. To deny your children the opportunity to learn Doman, you are denying them their history" Continued Tarr, getting rather excited in his movements "We do not deny our people their history by removing any of the Kirati languages from our curriculum. This allows our young folk to travel to Athara Magarat for business and pleasure, and the same is for the Magrati that learn Doman. We urge the government to not give into these petty protests. We stand behind our friends, and hope they will respect our shared heritage"

Beyn Tarr finished his speech and answered questions after the fact. Many inquired as to the business opportunities shared between the two countries as no major legislation or deal has been struck in at least the last 15 years between the nation. The Vice President was hesitant to answer and seemed to dance around the questions. He answered all questions to the best of his ability before dismissing the crowd.

This is the official statement from the government, however some individuals in the Grand Congress have expressed other views. Leader of the Socialist Minority in Congress, Klarra Wuno, said this in a private session:
"It is a bit suspect that our Vice President would insinuate that we treat the Magrati Languages with the same decency as they do Doman. The Magrati languages are diverse and numerous, and only two of them are offered as electives here in the Federation. We have no say in the matter either way. It's their country, and let them work it out. We do have history with them yes, but thats all. History. We have no more sway over them. We used to, which is why it was an official language for close to 1,000 years. But times change, and me and many others support their right to chose their education.".

The popular opinion on the matter is split. With equal numbers agreeing with the Vice President, and agreeing with Minority Leader Wuno. There is a strong abstention group as well, who don't see the point is talking about it at all. It doesn't affect Domanania, so why should we care? The people and government of Domanania await the response of the people of Athara Magarat.

Doman Students taking an elective course in one of the Magrati Languages

[Martenyika]

Thursday August 8, 2019
RKT - Royal Kessa Times
Kessa, Martenyika

Zubele Offers First Post-Election Comments As Coalition Question Looms

President Elect Maxime Zubele makes his first comments since being declared the victor.

Kessa - In the wake of Tuesday's presidential election, populistic candidate Maxime Zubele emerged victorious, securing more votes than any other single candidate. The Times calculated that he received 32% of the votes, a number corroborated by recent polling aggregates. By contrast the conservatives, led by outgoing President Njomo, and the liberals received 24% and 19%. Other parties accounted for a record 25% of the votes.

Political pundits have noted a marked decrease in support for the Njomo government in the months and years leading up to the 2019 election. At the same time, monarchist, socialist, authoritarian, and green parties have gained significant support. A spokesperson for the authoritarian National Leader's Party (NLP), which polled at 8%, has claimed that "Martenyikans are tired of Njomo's weakness, and want an alternative with backbone."

Maxime Zubele mimicked the anti-Njomo sentiment in his first post-election comments, stating that "the existing government has stood aside content with the way things are. Njomo and his government have squandered Martenyika's true potential. The people no longer wish to simply endure, they wish to excel." Zubele also referenced Martenyika's Njomo era motto, "we will endure," in one of his campaign speeches where he vowed to change it to "we will excel."

However despite the candidate's official victory and rhetoric, Zubele must still effectively form a coalition government. He secured 32% of the vote, which is not enough to govern independently. Many commentators believe that the Liberal Party of Martenyika (LPM) is the only viable option. The liberals achieved 19% of the vote, implying that a Zubele-LPM coalition would reach a slim majority of 51%.

[Nhoor]

[Austrovik-Germania]

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SCANTARBIA'S TWISTED PLAN TO REMOVE AUSTROVIK ECONOMIC ACTIVITY FROM SOUTH ARGUS

Issued by the State

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The Emergency Automobile Industry Conference in Hortendorf

The recent outrage in Scantarbia due to the recent claim that Austrovik government-backed companies have been allegedly falsifying their emissions tests have lead to serious talks between the largest automobile manufacturers across the nation and the conclusion was simple and final: there are no false results for the emissions tests.

What has been proven by many statistical reports from Austrovik tests and surveys is that the eco-extremist government of Scantarbia, fuelled by their twisted view on the hoax of climate change that looms over many liberal governments of the Western Isles, are purposely trying to erase any sort of Austrovik economic activity within the Argus and Southern Argus region. Indeed, the Austrovik car market has been expanding in the region, with Ulmattel opening new manufacturing plants in the Republic of Martenyika, following a deal made with the new President Elect Maxime Zubele before his election into office. A spokesperson of the Übermacht Division of the Übermacht-Krupp Group said this in a press briefing after the talks with the Austrovik government:

"The Übermacht Division of Übermacht-Krupp Group LLC does not hold these apparent failures in incredibly complex and unnecessary emission tests from the Technocracy of Scantarbia as credible, nor will the Übermacht Division, nor any other division within the Übermacht Krupp Group take these tests as trustworthy sources. This is clearly a cold and calculated attempt to try and curtail Austrovik interest in the Argus region due to the false belief carried by many of the of the Scantarbian people that climate change exists, and is due to human activity. I can confirm that the Übermacht Division has opened two new manufacturing plants in the Republic of Martenyika to allow for Martenyikan people to purchase quality, economical and affordable cars."

Recently, the First Minister of Austrovik-Germania, Frederick von Hersmann, has called on the international community 'not to be concerned' about the environmental friendliness of the cars produced by many of the big brands, saying that the apparent danger towards the climate is 'just a Scantarbian hoax'. The Rijksministry of International Affairs has also begun drawing up plans to dramatically raise tariffs on Scantarbian electronic appliances coming into Austrovik-Germania, however nothing has yet been confirmed by the government. Indeed, what is clear is that Scantarbia is pushing Austrovik-Germania out of Argus.

[Martenyika]

Saturday August 10, 2019
PBA - Port Bonaré Anchor
Port Bonaré, Martenyika

Greens Protest Übermacht Factory Openings Over Environmental Concerns

Green Party members protest outside the Port Bonaré factory location.

Port Bonaré - The economic feud between Austrovik-Germania and Scantarbia over the environmental impact of Austrovik-Germanian cars has touched Port Bonaré, and Martenyika. Scantarbia's Standardization Bureau alleged that the emissions of certain Austrovik-Germanian cars exceeded their strict Grade 8 standards. Although Scantarbia is ousting Austrovik-Germanian car manufactures, Maxime Zubele has already asserted Martenyika as a new base for Übermacht vehicle manufacturing. The Übermacht Division of the Übermacht-Krupp Group announced the opening of two car manufacturing plants in Martenyika, following prior negotiations with President Maxime Zubele.

Many question the deal, or outright protest the decision, while others approve of it. The Martenyikan Liberal Party (MLP) has largely come out in support of the controversial yet pro-economic move, which bodes well for his coalition efforts. Zubele secured the deal before being elected into office, meaning that he does not strictly violate Martenyikan laws governing financial interests. Liberals claim that it is a good first step in revitalizing the economy. However the Greens do not agree with Zubele's Übermacht deal.

Members of the Martenyikan Green Party (MGP) are currently protesting the opening of two Übermacht factories in Kessa and Port Bonaré. Despite relatively low initial turnout, MGP organizers promise larger, continued protests in the future as more hear about Zubele's deal. Contingents of the Gendarmerie have arrived in the area to ensure that the protests stay peaceful. A press spokesperson for the Gendarmerie released a statement claiming that officers will remain in the vicinity of both vehicle plants "for the foreseeable future, as long as there are sizable protests."

The MGP netted 5% of the votes during this week's election, which is an unprecedented level of support. In the past, the Greens gained up to 3% at most, but experts believe that the record increase for "fringe" parties such as the Green Party is directly tied to the relative inactivity of former President Njomo. The MGP has positioned itself as an active alternative for environmentally concerned Martenyikans.

The increase in support has emboldened the Greens. Shortly after the Übermacht division of the Übermacht-Krupp Group annonuced the opening of the Kessa and Port Bonaré factories, MGP leader Naomi Lumbala came out in solidarity with Scantarbia. Lumbala briefly commented that "we stand with Scantarbia and its concern for the wellbeing of our environment." The party leader encourages Martenyikans and especially fellow Greens to join in protests.

[Scantarbia]

TRADE WAR IMMINENT

by Alfred Alabaster, 12 August 2019

UNUKALHAI - After the beginning of Austrovik-Germania's Vehicle Emission Scandal last Wednesday (7/8), followed by the banning of Austrovik-Germania-made vehicles from the streets all over Scantarbia, people would think that the Austrovik government will admit their mistake and at least try to make their cars greener. But, the reality is the contrary, and the public opinion on Austrovik-Germania is on all-time-low. With both nations preparing for an economic clash, a trade war, the question among the general public and especially economists is who will emerge unscathed?

Last Saturday (10/8), Austrovik government issued a statement that portrays climate change as a hoax. In turn, this has spurred further outrage inside the country with demonstrations and mass sitting in front of Austrovik-Germanian embassy at the nation’s capital, Arcturus. The riot police have been deployed to prevent any violence inside the protest and to try to keep the protest as peaceful as possible as what has been outlined inside the Scantarbian constitution.

“All they had to do is one job,” said the nation’s president, Nicetas Akylas in a Q&A session during his visit to the nation’s most popular beach resort near the city of Unukalhai on Sunday (11/8). “If they want an economic clash, let them. But we will ensure that we will not stay asleep, we will retaliate. Look, if they decided to raise tariffs on Scantarbian electronics, their companies are the one who will get hurt, their supply lines will get hurt badly. We concede our companies who manufactured those electronics will get hurt too, financially. That’s why we’ll retaliate with further tariffs to their exports.” When asked about how Scantarbian economy will respond to the economic clash, he stated that “There’s no need to worry, our economy will prevail. Austrovik isn’t our only trading partner, our companies will adapt to the circumstances. We’ll prevail for sure. But for them? I personally don’t think so.”

The nation’s position in this clash is clear, proven by the existence of an emergency meeting that was attended by Scantarbia’s top economic advisers and high-ranking military members. There’s no clear information on what had been discussed nor what is the result, but information from our insiders indicated that there are plans to retaliate with further tariffs towards their exports to Scantarbia. There are also plans to anticipate for further escalations, but what are those plans exactly haven’t been released for the public eyes.

“We hope the international community stands with us in fighting for our environment, not only for us but for our grandchildren and generations beyond. We appreciate the efforts made by Nhoor and Martenyika in response to this environmental crisis, and we urge those who have and those who haven’t made any actions to do more, as we stand together for the environment.” said the president in his closing remarks at the Q&A session.

Other News

• Malik Foundation Offers Funding To The University of Sarruc
• The M2X Series and Their Prevalence in Modern Warfare
• Scantarbia and Argus: What Would The Greater Argus Supercontinent Look Like If It Still Existed?
  

[Brulafi]

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Two Budakraj Teens Disappear, Police Stumped—Fear Homicide

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BUDAKRAJ—Rocky beaches and dramatic hills separate the mining town of Budakraj from the lake. These beaches and hills are well-kept secrets to the locals, hosting popular activities like cliff-diving and camping. The Budakraj-North Corridor district, with a population hovering around 40,000, has the lowest rates of both homicide and missing children in the country.

With these two factors in mind, the sudden disappearance of two teenagers from these pristine shores thus seem especially heinous to the unprepared community. Naralaye Chatamanef (aged 16) and Miye Dambegef (aged 17) were last seen venturing into the woods above Budakraj proper late Saturday night for an overnight camping trip near the seasonal creekbed known as the "Diamond Creek."

All seemed to be well until 9 in the morning on Sunday, the pre-arranged time when the teens were supposed to return to their apartment complexes. The parents waited until noon to alert the authorities, and after the two missing persons had failed to report to their Youth League meeting at 1:30 PM, a search-and-rescue operation made up of citizens and Militiamen began scouring the Diamond Creek area. At 4:00, the remains of the campsite were located, and what remained shocked investigators:
The teens' tent remained, but it had collapsed inwards and had multiple lacerations on the outside skin; their wood-burning camp stove had burned through the night, without having been put out; and a bloodied cloth believed to have belonged to one of the girls was located attached to a thorn. Based on these clues, investigators have concluded that at least one homicide has taken place at the campsite; an especially dismal crime when splayed across the backdrop of the dramatic mountains and pristine waters around it.

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[Enchanta]

Mother's Unity Force:Special Edition

Remember this day, August 2nd, 2019. That day was the day the Mother’s Unity Force was established. The Mother’s Unity Force, or MUF for short, is a charity organization dedicated to helping mothers and wives through tough times. It was primarily created to help mothers and wives who have loved ones fighting in the war, but it can be used to help women who need financial assistance, or are homeless. We managed to get an interveiw with the founder, Chealsea McIntosh.

REPORTER: We are so glad to have you here Ms.McIntosh. What inspired you to create the MUF?

Ms.McIntosh: It was my sister. Her husband got injured in the war, so the medical bills were piling up. Plus, my neice, she’s 7, is very vunerable to infection, her treatments are expensive. Not to mention, with the martial law in place, she can’t work anymore. They got kicked out of their home, and I offered to have her move in with me, but she declined and asked to go to a shelter. I took her, it was so depressing. So many wives, mothers and children, displaced and suffering. I saw women with young babies, and older women too. I created the Force to help women in need, for us to support one another.

REPORTER: Inspiring. What is the Goal of the Unity Force?

Ms.McIntosh: We don’t have a specific goal, per se, we just want to help as many familes as possible.

REPORTER: What types of services do you offer?

Ms.McIntosh: We offer 1-on-1 therapy, as well as group therapy. We give women financial assistance, as well as hosting free buffets for familes to eat at. We even have a special program called Open Your Hearts, where people can invite a family to come and live with them. There’s more on our website.

REPORTER: Is this just for War Spouses?

Ms.McIntosh: No, it’s for any mother or wife needing assistance.

REPORTER: Well thank you for joining us ma’am.

Ms.McIntosh: Oh you’re welcome
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Student Makes War Documentary
A 12th grade girl named Isa Lanot, is doing something that has the film industry split down the middle. She’s making a documentary on the current state of Enchanta called “From Heaven to Hell”. The reason this is such a big issue is because she’s being allowed to film the city, as long as she has parental supervision, and other people don’t have that right.
“We don’t have to suffer in silence. People need to know what’s happening”, she says as she films an abandoned neighborhood, “I have my parents here, as long as I’m gone by curftew there’s no issue. I don’t understand why it’s such a big deal”. A lot of people seem to agree with her, calling her “The future of documentary”. However, some members of the film industry are not so nice.
“She’s going to get in trouble one day for this”, says Isa’s theater teacher, who did not want her name revealed “ If she was an adult, she wouldv’e been questioned as soon as she walked out her door with a camera. But no, she’s being babied because she’s a minor. I’ve been making films for since I was 16, when I was a kid I was allowed to do whatever I wanted with parental supervision. The moment I turned 18, I had to have all these permits and liscences. Trust me, she’s not gonna finish this”
Many people also feel the same way, some have even been ridiculing her on the Internet. Law Enforcement has not commented on the situation.


Isa Lanot: Shown above

[Dragao do Mar]

August 18th | Fortaleza, AL

SIDRAM headquarters, Fortaleza

Intelligence service discards chance of sabotage as motive for malfunction of King Lorenzo's airplane

In July 24th, returning to Dragão do Mar after a state visit to Roendavar, the official airplane of the Marian monarch, the Dragão do Ar ("Air Dragon", which is the term is used to denote Marian Air Force aircraft modified and used to transport the monarch of Dragão do Mar) was forced to do a emergency landing in the international airport of Nova Lantea, Alteran Republics at the early morning. No passengers got seriously injured, except the Minister of Trade Sérgio Gado, who broke his left arm due to the violent impact during the landing.

After 25 days of investigation, the Intelligence Service of Dragão do Mar (SIDRAM) discarded the possibility of a sabotage as motive for malfunction of King Lorenzo's airplane. In the first weeks after the happenings, some believed that the Dragão do Ar was sabotaged while King Lorenzo visited the city of Vladivești, but now it was confirmed that the reason was a mechanical failure.

The Dragão do Ar, a airplane of the model Carcará 161 manufactured since 1992 by Voalto Planes, was bought in 1996 by the Marian royalty to be used as its official vehicle of international flights. For more than two decades, the airplane fulfilled its task perfectly, but after the event of July 24th, security specialists became skeptical about the reliability of the vehicle

According to the Royal Department of Communications, the current Dragão do Ar, model Carcará 161, will be auctioned in December, and a new model of airplane will be purchased by the Marian royalty. The new model will be the Enterprise E400, a short-haul and regional airliner, manufactured by Enterprise Aircraft Company, a aerospace company from Scantarbia. The airliner has a seating capacity of up to 112 passengers and a range of over 2,700 nautical miles (5,000 km). The Scantarbian airplane is considered more modern and efficient than Carcará 161. It will be purchased in September, and, after receiving several modifications to increase its security, it will will start official operations as of January of 2020.

Until the next year, King Lorenzo will continue to use the current Dragão do Ar for international missions, including the state visit to Ainslie in the next month.

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[Cantonos]

NATIONAL BROADCASTER TO RELEASE NEW IDOL SHOW
CHARLIE DODO – 19/08/2019

International News


• Clean air more popular than Austrovik-Germanian vehicles.
• Royal Dragãoan Plane forced to land after "mid-flight oopsie",
  officials announce
• Iza refugees erect town in AM, concensus shows
  "Its better than open ocean"
• Paratan in chaos as neighbours butt in

Today Weather

• Talala: 27°C
• Dokyō: 26°C
• Javana: 24°C
• Orebro: 25°C

Other News

• Legislative Elections in the Horizon
• Iza refugees turned away at the coast
• Economic downturn to hit Cantonos, experts claim;
  politicians swiftly dismiss.
  

CHARLIE DODO | Cantonosian entertainment giant, C|Net, has announced
that arrangements have been concluded to bring a brand-new show to national television. The project
has been a large-scale operation orchestrated by Cantonos’ entertainment companies in a first-of-its-kind
agency-collaboration idol group project.

The show shall bring together 99 trainees from 24 different entertainment companies and record labels.
The participants shall undergo weekly challenges and be ranked by the public according to their
popularity and performance through a series of online live votes. These challenges ishall test the
participants’ aptitude in dancing, singing and their overall stage performance.

The show shall follow the journey of 99 handpicked trainees put forth by these agencies, both on
stage and behind the scenes. The best performing 11 participants shall be selected to form a unit
boy group, also known as a “project”, which shall perform under a temporary contract. The group
will disband after their contracts end, allowing the members of the final lineup to return to their
respective agencies.

C|Net CEO, Mapo Goyang, unveiled PROJECT B for the first time during Episode 279 of C|ountdown
(music program broadcasted by C|Net) where he promoted the show’s first season. Over the coming
weeks, the 99 participants shall be revealed via the network’s official website and social media,
including their profiles, pictures and video introductions. The stated purpose of the show, according
to the PROJECT B website, is to: “Foster cooperation between the agencies and allow the public to
produce a unit group by choosing members from a pool of 99 trainees, 24 entertainment companies
as well as the group’s concept, debut song and group name”.

With C-POP (read: Cantonosian Pop Music) on the rise both at home and abroad, the show recruited
several artists to train the participants. These include Black Eyed Boys’ vocalists Rin X and Yumo Jo as
vocal trainers. Rappers DODO and Si-Woo shall oversee rap training while SHINY member Suhi and C9
member Kai shall be responsible for the trainees’ dance training.

[Martenyika]

Monday August 19, 2019
RKT - Royal Kessa Times - Sports
Kessa, Martenyika

Men's Cricket Turns the Tables in the First Round

Two Martenyikan Men's Cricket teammates "chestbump" to celebrate their win.

Kessa - In what has only been received as a joyous surprise, the Martenyikan Men's Cricket Team emerged victorious against its opponent in the first round of the current tournament. The men's team approached the tournament with humility, yet they came out with an unlikely win over Dragão Do Mar's Parrots that has immediately boosted national interest in the sport.

Where the game of cricket is concerned, Dragão do Mar and Martenyika are on opposite ends of the spectrum. The former's "Parrots" are widely regarded as one of the most capable teams in the 2019 Isles Cup. According to one index, Dragão do Mar's 2019 team is rated at 8/10, while Martenyika's fledgling team rates at 2/10. Cricket has never been a prominent sport in Martenyika, accounting for such weak projections. Yet head coach Achille Yibej claims that this never bothered him, nor his team. "We knew we weren't the best going in, but we all said 'we will do our best and learn,'" Yibej explained after the victory, "...we just can't believe it." The coach declined to speculate on the next game, other than that the team would still simply do their best.

Cricket was introduced to Martenyika many years ago, although it took a long time to reach a national level. Originally it was a children's game, and bore similarities to some older Martenyikan games. Nonetheless, despite lacking the wide fanbase of sports such as football, Martenyikan men's cricket fans have always been loyal. Captain Rudi Lange expressed his appreciation for the support: "our fans were amazing--there was an energy and understanding between us, that helped take away some of the pressure and inspire us."

News of the upset has captured Martenyika's attention. RKT internet analysts have noted an exponential increase in social media activity relating to the Martenyikan Men's Cricket Team as well as searches for "Martenyikan cricket team," "Martenyika Dragao do Mar Game," and "cricket." Most Martenyikans lack basic knowledge of the sport, however as searches for "cricket" indicate, more people are curious about the game. Some speculate that regardless of the team's next performance, this victory over Dragão do Mar will affect national interest in cricket, whether at local or national levels.

[Corindia]

Opinions: Corindi National Cricket Team Wins Match Against Alteran Republic

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Monday, 8:30 PM:

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[Cantonos]

BREAKING: GOV'T PLOWS AHEAD WITH REFORMS
CHARLIE DODO – 26/08/2019

International News


• Clean air more popular than Austrovik-Germanian vehicles.
• Royal Dragãoan Plane forced to land after "mid-flight oopsie",
  officials announce
• Iza refugees erect town in AM, concensus shows
  "Its better than open ocean"
• Paratan in chaos as neighbours butt in

Today Weather

• Arak: 29°C
• Dokyō: 27°C
• Javana: 25°C
• Orebro: 28°C

Other News

• Your guide to the upcoming legislative elections
• Protests growing in Örebro
• PROJECT B to release trainee list "sooner than later"
  

CHARLIE DODO | Government reforms are usually not the subject of breaking news or any semblance of spectacle. These usually involve unexciting bureaucratic details that are rarely digested by your average Joe. Surprisingly, the reaction to the Government's latest healthcare reforms have become a welcome exception in a culture of political indifference.

Cantonos universal healthcare system, established in 1995 by President Sauvageau, has many regulations with regards to the administration of healthcare. Cantonosian law requires all medical facilities to be non-profit and run by physicians. The government in turn regulates medical fees and provides universal insurance to all citizens, covering 90% of all medical costs. This of course means that the private sector is completely excluded from the healthcare system. It goes without saying that this is the target at which our President is aiming.

President Sangwoo's reforms would scrap the aforementioned clauses, opening the healthcare system to both national and foreign investment. Medical facilities will no longer be required to be run as non-profits and the provisions requiring physicians to run medical facilities would be scrapped. Amendments will also be made as to grant unprecedented market access to private insurance companies.

As soon as the reforms were announced, the opposition jumped like a pack of rabbid wildhogs on a feral dodo, lambasting the Gov't for the reforms. Opposition leader Pascaline Simon (Lab) has called the reforms "the most foolish and counterproductive reform by this administration". What started as minor protests outside Orebro City Hall have grown to larger, more nationally spread demonstrations in the thousands of attendants. A number of Mayors across the country have condemned the move and called on the President to "rethink his approach".

After a week of silence from the Yellow Palace and a growing wave of outrage, the President has reaffirmed his intentions to continue on with his plans. The President was asked whether he was certain to pass the reforms, to which he responded with "we have the numbers, and if we didn't have them, we'll get them."

[Mokov]

08/26/2019
Royal Mokovi News
Nový Litkov, Kingdom of Mokov


Ascension of Ivan the XII

We begin this article with a sad announcement: beloved King Alexei XVII died last night after a four-hour-long battle for life following dual kidney failure and a heart attack. The funeral for His Royal Majesty is set to be held in one week's time, with the head of the Church of Mokov, Oskar Sedláček presiding over the ceremony.

His eldest son, Ivan XII z Mokova, Prince of Hrado-Nàlce, was crowned King of Mokov the following morning. Experts are worried about the ability of Ivan to properly lead the nation, owing in part to his youth, being only 17 years of age, and in part to the growing instability within the Kingdom. Ever since the nation's founding, the Royal Family has ruled with absolute power, but as the nation's economy and society has evolved, many have asked about the necessity of such an institution, sometimes violently.

In other news, the latest batch of Hrado Fish Filtered Vodka has turned out to be the best in ten years, and sales are predicted to be high. Continued on Page 12.
_{Karel Havlík, Front Columnist}

[Brulafi]

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Small Mudslide Uncovers Bodies of Missing Teens, Militia Step Up Manhunt

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BUDAKRAJ—The hills surrounding Budakraj are a popular spot for running. Its loose gravel and dirt trails provide a pleasant challenge to those who utilize them, and their steep and winding elevations allow for wonderful panoramas of the city below. Thousands of people ascend to the trails each morning, as if participating in a religious rite, to run before work. It is a cathartic experience for many, but for the unfortunate runner atop Kertojet Hill at 5:30 AM Sunday morning, his run was interrupted by a gruesome discovery. After the furious rains over the Dudley Lake region Saturday night, many parts of the hills around Budakraj had very loose soil that was prone to forming small mudslides. After all of this sliding had subsided, the runner (who has requested to remain anonymous) came across one slide directly in his path on the east side of Kertojet that overlooked the city.

The first thing he had noticed, as he recounted to the Beacon, was the pungent, sickly sweet odor of death around the location that alerted him to suspicion. Once he had noted this, he looked for the source of the smell and discovered the washed-out remains of two decomposing female corpses that had previously been buried in a shallow grave. This runner immediately alerted the authorities, who required insertion by helicopter into the relatively remote and difficult trail. By 6:30, the scene had been well documented and closed off, and the bodies were airlifted to the Criminal Forensics Centre in Dudleytown. The bodies were in such advanced decay from exposure to the wet soil and humid climate that dental records were required to identify the bodies. By 12:30, however, the Popular Militia had released a statement that confirmed the worst fears of many residents: the two girls who had gone missing weeks before had been murdered, and in particularly gruesome fashion.

While the Criminal Forensics Centre refused many specifics—and some of what had been released has been withheld due to graphic content—it had stated that their limbs had been removed with a blunt instrument and that their official causes of death were blood loss relating to the removal of limbs and several deep lacerations across their torsos. The instrument of murder has not yet been named. With the discovery of the bodies, the Militia have now ceased their missing persons investigation and now are beginning a region-wide manhunt for a double murderer. Either way, though, the citizens of a formerly carefree town by the Lake now is beginning to slip into fear and paranoia. These murders have shaken this town to the core, and now, the people wait with bated breath for the apprehension of this horrendous killer.

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[Haasar]

August 31st, 2019
The Selago Chronicle
Selago, Haasar

BREAKING: EXPLOSION IN APARTMENT BUILDING (DEVELOPING STORY)

At around 3:15 this morning, an explosion went off in a 5 story apartment building, decimating much of the building. Authorities were on the scene within minutes, and at around 4:00, the bulding collapsed. It is unclear the cause of the explosion, or the amount of deaths. The story is continuously developing and more information should be available within the next few hours.